Will David Duval Fight His Way Back onto the PGA Tour?

Between 1997 and 1999, Duval won 11 times on the PGA Tour. During that 1999 season, Duval shot a 59 at the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic in the final round to win it and won the Players Championship.

Probably the closest player to actually match Tiger Woods win-for-win, Duval won his first major at the 2001 Open Championship. Just shy of his 30th birthday, little did we know that that would be his last win on the PGA Tour.

Duval’s game just fell apart. By 2004, he was not even playing on the tour.

Whether it was injuries or personal distractions that derailed such a promising career remains a bit of a mystery.

He did suffer from various ailments. He went through a difficult end to a long-term relationship, and then a difficult pregnancy with his wife.

There were still signs of brilliance.

In 2009, needing to qualify just to get into the championship, Duval finished second in the United States Open. He even had a share of the lead on the 17th tee on Sunday.

Most thought he would give it up. Even when he did get into events, he would miss more cuts than he would make, and eventually Duval could not even keep his tour card.

He is 41 now—not ancient at all by professional golf standards.

It is now commonplace to see golfers who were trying to get themselves in playing shape for the Champions Tour—something they are eligible for when they turned 50—to either contend or win titles.